Bibliology – What is it?

TL;DR:

Bibliology is the study of the Bible so we can understand what we believe and why we believe it. It is important we engage in Bibliology so we can understand biblical figures like Jesus and biblical concepts like salvation.

what does the bible say?

Bibliology explores important topics concerning the Bible, including its authenticity, canonicity, and inspiration. Second Timothy 3:16–17 is a key passage in bibliology: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Understanding the Bible’s authorship from the Holy Spirit is vital to our faith because it reveals the authority it should have over our lives. Furthermore, since believers no longer have “the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God,” we should rely on the Holy Spirit to help us understand and interpret the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:12–13). When we know that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit, we can more easily see how He used styles and personalities of human authors to communicate recurring messages. This explains the unity we see in all sixty-six books even though they were written by various authors.

from the old testament

The Old Testament is a substantial part of the Bible, so Christians must consider what it reveals about God and His plans for humankind. The Mosaic Law commanded that the Israelites teach God’s word to their children as part of showing that the people loved God with all their heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5-9). The importance of God’s word is central to Bibliology.

from the new testament

The Bible is made alive by God's authorship and by the Holy Spirit. He brings meaning to the Bible as we read it and as we ask Him to make it clear to us (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
First Corinthians 2:12-13 explains “inspired” in the context of the Holy Spirit: "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."

implications for today

Bibliology is the study of the Bible. Christians believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and reveals God's desire and plan to be in relationship with people. Through Bibliology, we can see first-hand why the Bible is truly "breathed out" by God (2 Timothy 3:16). For example, we can discover prophecies that have been fulfilled or even confirm archeological findings accurate to what the Bible describes. We can also gain a deeper understanding of God’s power as we see His impact on biblical figures’ lives and how it has impacted the world throughout the ages. Lastly, Bibliology is an important practice because through it we can distinguish between good and bad theology. In so doing, we can strive to fulfill 2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Our aim should be to handle God’s Word accurately, respecting its authority and inspiration. Bibliology can help us do this.

understand

Bibliology is the study of the Bible, including its authenticity, canonicity, and inspiration.
Believers’ confidence in the Bible can be strengthened through Bibliology.
Bibliology can help believers to distinguish between solid and inaccurate theology.

reflect

How has studying the Bible’s inspiration and authenticity deepened your trust in God’s Word?
In what ways has understanding the Bible as God-breathed changed how you approach reading and applying Scripture?
How much time do you dedicate to exploring Bibliology, and how might increasing that focus impact your faith?

engage

How can understanding Bibliology help us confidently share the Bible’s authority with nonbelievers?
How can we use Bibliology to address questions or doubts about perceived contradictions in Scripture?
How might studying Bibliology help Christians respond to cultural skepticism about the reliability of the Bible?